A remote village creates beauty out of recycled trash. God does the same thing. Recycling–and creating beauty–is His specialty.
Several years ago I watched a movie trailer on my agent’s blog that inspired me to write a poem called “God, the Great Recycler.” This fascinating trailer represents a feature-length documentary called “Landfill Harmonic,” a remarkable orchestra from a remote village in Paraguay, where its young musicians play with instruments made from trash. When I reviewed it recently, I felt it was worth repeating this blog post.
Be sure you watch the trailer. I love what has happened in this village. In fact, this new “orchestra” has performed all over the world and even has a Facebook page. Their story convicted me that not only do I have too much, and that I throw away too much; but also that I need so little. After watching it, I simply applied a spiritual principle and wrote the poem. I hope the trailer–and the poem–both bless and encourage you.
God, the Great Recycler
by Rebecca Barlow Jordan
God searches through the landfills
of our lives filled with trash,
recycling every discard
for redemption, not for cash.
He rescues every broken piece,
and fashions them again
into a brand-new instrument
once silenced by sin.
He lovingly replaces
the parts we’ve thrown away,
to make the music sweeter
in His orchestra one day.
When others see no value,
He quickly defends;
for God, the Great Recycler
has grace that never ends.
My Personal Prayer for You
Lord, what an awesome and resourceful God You are! Truly, You take the garbage from the landfill of our lives and create something beautiful out of it. Teach us to value what others call castaways–even Your own creation, and give us the resources and the creativity to help bring beauty to those who need it most. Thank You for recycling every mistake, every sin trail, every piece of accumulated trash from our lives, and giving us a new purpose that will ultimately glorify You. I can’t wait to hear the final concerto of Heaven’s Orchestra one day as every knee bows, every tongue confesses, and every “instrument” from even the most remote parts of the earth blends in perfect harmonic praise to the One who has redeemed us and given us life!
Day-votedly Yours,
Rebecca
Praise the Lord! He…rescues the wretched who’ve been thrown out with the trash (Psalm 113:7 MSG).
Accompanied by trumpets, cymbals, and other instruments, they raised their voices and praised the Lord with these words: “He is good! His faithful love endures forever!” (2 Chronicles 5:13).
It’s Your Turn
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